CHF is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood. In other cases, the heart can’t pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both problems. The term "heart failure" doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. Heart failure is a serious condition that requires medical care. This forum is a place to ask questions about CHF. Some examples are: How is CHF diagnosed? What treatment options are available for me?

If you have a question that requires immediate medical attention, or if you think you may have an emergency situation, please call your doctor or 911 IMMEDIATELY!

very worried about my husbands health

my husband has had pitted edema in his lower legs for over a year now the VA doesn't seem to care which only enforces his desire not to see doctors. The only thing we got from the VA was his records which state he has a "hole" in his chest, ? (this confuses me) a 4.2 cm or mm nodule on left kidney and left lung and his left ventricle is damaged? They said he should just watch it.............well he has been and now his usually fit body is puffy swollen and his legs are huge, red, swollen and painful to the point he called me about it. all docs at VA say his heart is perfect (hes had stress tests and ekg) and his blood pressure is always spot on amazing sonow im at a loss.
and he was adopted so we have no family history to go on........last I heard they were thinking about looking into his liver but hes not a drinker and hes not a medicine taker so idk and im VERY VERY WORRIED please help

Although some people can simply develop swelling in their lower extremities for no apparent reason (usually do to aging veins), in most cases an explanation can be found.

1. The heart is certainly a possibility including what is sometimes called "diastolic heart failure" where the heart actually squeezes fine but doesnt relax too well. There are other disorders that can affect the heart in this way that can also present like this.
2. It is true that problems with the liver and/or kidney can also contribute to swelling so worth getting these checked out
3. Finally, it might be worth looking into the possibility of a blood clot(s) in the leg(s) that can sometimes impede the flow of blood but can be missed unless specifically sought after.

In the meantime, cut back on the salt/sodium and consider wearing some TEDs stockings which can sometimes help. And as I always tell people, no harm in a 2nd opinion if you are not getting where you need to be (even in the VA system which may be a bit more challenging to navigate).

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